There hasn’t been much advice about the writing task compared to the text response. My fault that it has no relevance to the post above 
In order to balance it out here’s a ramble about language analysis.*The Analysis Journal*During the year, not only should you be practising your language analysis writing skills, but I suggest that you also be aiming to improving the variety and depth of vocabulary and style. To do this, have a dairy/exercise book/ journal to keep a list of handy phrases and sentences to use in your analysis.
Read sample answers from your friends, classmates, and those published in textbooks and assessor reports. Get out a highlighter and highlight all expressions that are used effectively and succinctly.
NOTE: My examples were just written on the spot, so they’re not of a fantastic standard. They’re just there to show you how you can practise using new words. You can make up an issue if you really wanted to and practise using new vocabulary.Areas which you should aim to improve are:
TONE: Always keep a look out for ways of describing tone and tone words. Example: Howard Green’s letter to the editor (Herald Sun, 25th November, 2007) uses a
critical, sardonic and forthright tone to contend that corporate collusion must be made a criminal offence.”
A comprehensive list of tone words can be found in The English Book (any edition). If you don’t have a copy, you probably can find one in your school library or ask your English teacher.
DISCUSSION OF PURPOSE AND INTENTION: Collect phrases and words to help you form the contention of the article in question. Here are some examples:asserts that claims that condones the belief that contends that endorses the idea that exemplifies the idea that
highlights the problem of makes a vociferous protest promotes the view that raises question about rebuts allegations refutes the view that
stresses the idea that suggest that supports the view that
Example: The writer
disputes the view that pit-bull terriers are a menace to society and
suggests that it is the owner rather than the animal that is the source of violence.
Example: The editor
casts doubt upon the new legislation introduced by Federal Government to prevent parents from spending welfare payments on illegal drugs and alcohol. He
exposes the inadequacies of this measure, contending that a more proactive approach is needed to protect neglected children.
DISCUSSING THE EFFECT: Keep in mind that you must clearly explain HOW the audience is affected. To give your writing a bit of flair, try using the following framing sentences. establishes a clear agenda for change evoke our sense of outrage
seek our unflagging support urge readers to
Example:
In order to allay their fears for their children’s safety, parents
are inclined to support the editor’s view that dangerous and outdated playground equipment should be dismantled immediately.
See Nick’s Essential English Guide for more examples of effect.LINKING PARAGRAPHS: Using linking words gives your writing coherency and fluency. Some examples:
However,… Furthermore,… In contrast,… In addition,… On the other hand,…
Practise a few language analysis with this journal beside you, using some of the phrases. After you have used a certain phrase a few times, you won’t have to refer to the journal anymore.
One more piece of advice: practise slowly and steadily. Don’t try to change your style overnight. Maybe every time you write a practice language analysis try to use a few new words and phrases. Even a little change makes a big difference![/li][/list]
If you really can’t be bothered writing a full language analysis, maybe you could write a few examples of your own like the ones above.
Any English textbook will have a bank of vocabulary phrases that you might want to use. So have a look around!
So, there’s my ramble about English for the day. By using these techniques, you can improve your fluency, coherency, and style. So give it a whirl!
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